Intel Corp. and Google Inc. this week said that they will team up to accelerate the entry to market of Android-based smartphones driven by the chip makers Atom processors.

The joint effort comes on the heels of Googles recent $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility and underscores Intels intention to play catch up in the smartphone market where it has lagged competitors such as ARM Ltd.

In the wake of crawling netbook PC sales, Intel has been looking for new avenues to apply its Atom processors, sales of which have noticeably flagged in recent quarters.

"By optimizing the Android platform for Intel architecture, we bring a powerful new capability to market that will accelerate more industry adoption and choice, and bring exciting new products to market that harness the combined potential of Intel technology and the Android platform," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and chief executive.

Officials said that the partnership will enable mobile device OEMs and wireless operators to leverage the Intel architecture and draw upon the extensive x86 developer communities to advance the Android platform.

Even in today’s Internet-dominated world, in-person business connections still make strong impressions. But face-to-face marketers must be aware of cultural disconnects, explains AMD’s Gerald Youngblood.